Weekly Newsletter for Garces Families, Students, Alumni, & Friends. | |
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May 24th
FOG DELAY
May 25th, 26th & 27th
Spring Musical
"Beauty & the Beast"
May 29th
Memorial Day
Holiday - School Closed
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Final Exams
May 30th
Periods 5 & 7
May 31st
Periods 2 & 4
June 1st
Periods 1 & 3
June 2nd
Period 6
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Summer School
Ten Unit Classes
June 5th - July 7th
June 5 - June 20
1st Semester
June 21 - July 7
2nd Semester
July 4th
Holiday - School Closed
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Follow us on our social media sites to stay up to date on the latest updates from Garces. | |
Garces Memorial 75th Anniversary | |
The Garces 75th Commencement Awards took place on Tuesday, May 16th at Sam Tobias Field. It was a beautiful evening, full of pomp and circumstance. The Garces Band played as students processed through the stands and onto the field. The speeches were heartfelt and the valedictory speech by Randall Giumarra perfectly encompassed the feelings of the class with a nod to what's to come for a very special group of young people. Mrs. Chambers introduced the graduation award winners, Mrs. Limi introduced both the salutatorian and the valedictorian, and Fr. David Lopez presented the diplomas after Mrs. Limi announced each graduate, calling them to the stage. Once all the diplomas were handed out - parents, family members, and friends came down onto the field for photos. No one was in a hurry. It was the last time on Sam Tobias Field with all their friends and family, as a class. We wish you all the best Class of 2023! Remember John 10:10 as you move on to the next stage in your life - "I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest." Go out and make the most of the life God has planned for you. | |
Baccalaureate Mass & Graduation Videos | |
Garces Award
Randall Giumarra
The Garces Award is Garces Memorial’s highest award and is given to a senior who in the judgment of their classmates, and in addition to general excellence, most nearly personifies the Christian ideals embodied by the patron of our school, Father Francisco Garces.
"Randall has graced the Garces campus with poise and kindness through his years. Randall always had a smile on his face but was also working tirelessly in the classroom. Randall is what we want all of our graduating seniors to be. He is spiritually connected, academically prepared, and socially responsible." - Mrs.Myka Chambers
"Randall is an exceptional student. His discipline and dedication to his academics is unmatched for a high school student. But more importantly Randall is kind hearted, loyal and a friend to everyone. He truly embodies who Father Garces was and his spirit. - Dr. Ashley Pavletich
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Jim Burke Leadership Award
Aviana Borba
The Jim Burke Leadership Award is given to the senior who in the judgment of their classmates has been most distinguished as a leader both academically and in extra-curricular activities.
"Through unwavering dedication and a genuine spirit, Aviana embodied the essence of leadership. As the ASB President, she not only navigated the complexities of student governance but fostered a remarkable sense of unity among diverse social circles. With an exceptional ability to connect, Avianna seamlessly bridged gaps, ensuring that every voice was heard and valued." - Mrs. Caitlin Thompson
"Avi has been a joy to have on campus. It is clear how much she loves the school and what a great role model she is. She leads by example in all areas - faith, academics, compassion for others, and school spirit. Her leadership on our campus has made our school a better place for everyone. We will miss her enthusiasm and her beautiful smile!" - Ms. Lou Ann Durrett
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Bishop's Award - Male
Peter Gonzalez
The Bishop’s Award is presented to the graduating male who in the judgment of their classmates best represents those characteristics for which Garces Memorial stands and who most closely manifests Christ’s teachings in his own life.
"Peter is full of Christlike qualities and lives out his faith through action. Peter exemplifies patience, faith, humility, virtue, charity, compassion and obedience. His leadership at Kairos this year and how he has carried himself all his life is the true testament to earning the respect and recognition from his peers for this award! God bless you Peter." - Mr. Blaine Geissel
"Garces was blessed when Peter said yes to being a part of the Kairos leadership team. Talk about living his faith. Peter walks the walk and talks the talk. He does it quietly with no to very little fan fair. He truly cares about his peers and their own personal spiritual journey. Peter, your presence on campus will be greatly missed." - Ms. Tonya Abbott
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Bishop's Award - Female
Ella Shaw
The Bishop’s Award is presented to the graduating female who in the judgment of their classmates best represents those characteristics for which Garces Memorial stands and who most closely manifest Christ’s teachings in her own life.
"Ella's journey has been marked by an unyielding dedication to her spiritual growth, as she has embraced the teaching of compassion, humility, and love. Guided by unwavering principles, she inspires those around her to seek deeper connections, cultivate kindness, and live with integrity." - Mrs. Caitlin Thompson
"It was the Holy Spirit at work when at the last-minute Ella was asked to attend San Joaquin Memorial's Kairos retreat to better plan for bringing back Kairos to Garces. She was a spiritual superstar. She had no hesitation in stepping up to take a leadership role. Even during the difficult task of sharing her personal struggles and heartache with those on retreat, she faced it with courage and grace." - Ms. Tonya Abbott
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Salutatorian
Joshua Bruan
The Salutatorian Award is given to the senior who has attained a weighted GPA that ranks the student second among the members of the graduating class. This senior provides the invocation.
"Josh has been an active member of many clubs and organizations, including the National Honor Society, Interact Club, and Ford Dimension. He has also served as the president and co-founder of the tutoring club, where he has selflessly helped countless students achieve their academic goals. Josh is also an accomplished athlete, playing on the Garces water polo team for four years. His hard work and dedication have earned him a place at Cal Tech, where he will continue to play men’s water polo. As Josh moves on to his next chapter, we know that he will continue to make a positive impact on the world around him." - Mrs. Denise Limi
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Valedictorian
Randall Giumarra
The Valedictorian Award is given to the senior who has attained a cumulative GPA which ranks the student at the top of his/her graduating class. This senior addresses commencement guests on behalf of the senior class.
"Randall's involvement in the National Honor Society, Interact Club, Mock Trial team, Dream Builders and student government is a testament to his commitment to excellence, service, and leadership. He has shown that he is not only an outstanding student, but he also cares deeply about his school, community, and the world around him. Randall leads by example, and he is very humble about his accomplishments." - Mrs. Denise Limi
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Interact Club at M.A.R.E.
Interact Club members spend last Saturday out at M.A.R.E. helping spruce up the therapeutic riding center for a big photo shoot that is taking place at the facility this weekend. The students darned their gardening gloves and tools and went to work. The Interact Club has adopted M.A.R.E. as one of the non-profit organizations they help every year. The club members love the fact that the riding center not only helps children with a variety of disabilities, it also has a veterans program that helps men and women who served our country. It helps they get to meet the amazing horses who serve the M.A.R.E. clients. The students pictured are Rosemary Luna, Aden Gutierrez, Olivia Michaud, Kelsey Abraham, Tommy McGrath, Erin Castillo, and Brandon Tran. Nice job Rams!
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Sweet Treats for Seniors!
On Monday, May 8th, the seniors were surprised at break with a very thoughtful gift - there were gift bags filled with candy all over senior hill! Each bag was personalized with a senior's name on it so that every senior received a goody bag along with a note letting them know that they will be missed! Thank you to those whose thoughtful gesture is much appreciated!
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Great Job Michael Baninge!
Eagle Scout Project
Garces junior, Michael Baninge, is a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 125. For his Eagle Scout project, he dedicated his time and resources back to Garces Memorial with a campus beautification project. Michael noticed the landscaping along the lower parking lot fencing was in need of replenishment. He raised money for the project, enlisted the help of others, and spent a Saturday improving our campus. In addition to replacing and adding new plants, trees, and bark, he added water drip lines. Thank you Michael for giving back to Garces and congratulations on becoming an Eagle Scout!
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Spring Play
Beauty & the Beast
Company G is getting ready for its Spring musical - Beauty & the Beast. They will perform on May 25th, May 26th, and May 27th at 8:00 PM in the Quad. Members of the cast include Jocie Sala, Ryan Chandler, Colby Hughes, Brandon Antongiovanni, Yoly Cazares, Kelsey Buena, Ben Banducci, Suahn Cho, Aurora Velasquez, Gwen Grider, Nolan Lopez, Makaio Colter, Diego Ruiz, Audrey Blunt, Cindy King, Isaac Rodriguez, Clarianne Righetti, Jordan Manning, Reece Yaksitch, Talia Escalante, Kyralisa Riel, Yovanni Ngyuen, Aneliese Arredondo, and Keilani Colter.
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Junior Retreat
We are excited to be offering the juniors a two-day retreat to end the school year. To accommodate students, we have adjusted the final exam schedule. Please see the schedule below:
Thursday, May 25th
Final 1: 8:30 am – 10: 00 am
Final 3: 10:15 am - 11:45 am
Period 5: 11:45 am – 1:10 pm (normal class period)
Period 7: 1:45 pm – 3:10 pm (normal class period)
Friday, May 26th
Period 2: 8:30 am – 9:55 am (normal class period)
Final 6: 10:15 am – 11:45 am
Final 4: 12:15 pm – 1:45 pm
Tuesday, May 30th
Final 5: 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Final 7:10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Wednesday, May 31st
Final 2: 8:30 am – 10:00 am- Junior Retreat to follow.
Retreat Day 1: May 31st from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm in MLH
Day 1 will be a College Boot Camp workshop designed to assist students in setting up their college application accounts, updating Naviance, and honing their essay-writing skills. Students must bring their iPads to set up their college application accounts. Lunch will be provided.
Retreat Day 2: June 1st from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm in the Quad
The second day of our retreat will focus on the theme of servant leadership, featuring a talk by Lauren Skidmore, Chief Executive Officer of our local homeless shelter. Students will participate in campus beautification projects, team-building activities, and a BBQ, making it a fun and engaging event for all. Appropriate dress is required. Please wear closed-toed shoes and clothing that may get dirty.
Students need to RSVP through the following Google form by May 26th: https://forms.gle/cALM7RAbtUt6WAt27
Attendance is strongly encouraged but not required.
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Uniform Sales
Uniform sales are now through June 6th in the student store, all hours that students are here in class (i.e. 8:00 to 3:05 on Green Day’s). Place orders or pick up items while supplies last.
Norman’s will be in the MLH on June 6th (one day only) from 2:30 to 7:00 for all skirts, shorts and pants.
The student store will be open June 5th and 6th from 2:30 to 7:00 for all other items needed for uniforms or spirit dress items.
June 6th will be the last day to pick up or order items before school starts in the fall. All ordered items will be available for pickup the first week of school in August.
Please bring all used uniforms, spirit wear and books to the student store. We will be organizing all of these items before the June 5th sale day in the Student Store.
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Graduation Photos
Matt Reynolds of Reynolds Photography will be at Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation. To order photos of your graduate, please go to his website or email him at photombr@gmail.com.
Reynolds Photography
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Garces Summer School
Ten Unit Courses June 1st - July 7th
Middle School Courses June 1st - June 30th
The Garces Summer School website is up! Please click on the link for the courses we are offering this summer. Please register soon as our classes fill up and we don;t want you to miss out!
Garces Summer School Website
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Class of 2024 - Senior Portraits for 2023-2024 Yearbook
All Juniors (Class of 2024) need to make an appointment with Matt Reynolds to take their senior portrait for next year's yearbook picture. Reynolds Photography will be taking photos from July 10th - July 28th. If you have any questions, please email Mr. Matt Reynolds at photombr@gmail.com.
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Chemistry Teacher
Garces is looking for a Chemistry teacher and an Algebra 1 teacher for the 2023-2024 school year. The job description is available on our website. All interested candidates should contact Mrs. Denise Limi for more information.
Receptionist & Attendance Secretary
Garces is seeking a welcoming, considerate, efficient, and responsible person to serve as Receptionist & Attendance Secretary in the 2023-2024 school year. This is an hourly position that reports to the Principal and Dean of Students. Position open until filled. Though not required, fluency in Spanish is highly desirable. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Mr. Kelly Olson, Dean of Students, at kolson@garces.org
Maintenance Worker
Garces is looking for a skilled maintenance worker to perform upkeep tasks such as repairs and cleaning. for the 2023-2024 school year. This is a full-time position. Interested candidates should contact Mrs. Laura Lee for more information.
Job Descriptions and Employment Applications are available on our website garces.org.
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This Week in Garces Athletics
Provided by Trevor Horn, Sports Information Director
The 2023-24 athletic season has completed for Garces Athletics, and once again, it was a banner year.
There were four teams that won Central Section team championships in girls tennis (Division I), girls water polo (D-II), and boys and girls swim and dive (D-II). We also had Kelsey Abraham winning the section girls tennis singles title and Jocie Sala and Kylee Limpias winning the section girls tennis doubles title. Kaydence Boyd became the first state medalist in girls wrestling and Jalani Smith won the 170-pound section D-IV title in boys wrestling. Boys swimming won five D-II individual titles with Charlie Potter winning the 200 individual medley and 500 freestyle, Jett Kalmikovs won the 100 backstroke along with titles in the 200 medley relay and 400 freestyle relay. Potter and Kalmikovs, both freshmen, advanced to the CIF State championships.
Baseball
Griffin Garcia went the distance on the mound for Garces in the opening round of the section D-III playoffs on Wednesday, but the 13th-seeded Rams lost to No. 4 Santa Maria-Pioneer Valley 2-0.
Boys Golf
After winning the River League title earlier this month, the Rams were one of just three Kern County teams to advance to the D-I section championships on Monday at San Joaquin Country Club in Fresno. The Rams finished ninth overall at the championships, led by a 6-over-77 by Carson Sorci. Aidan Sorci shot 81, followed by Bennet Michaud (86), Jackson Thorn (86), Ryan Surgener (92), and Grant Periera (104).
Boys Swimming
Charlie Potter and Jett Kalmikovs, both freshmen, advanced to the CIF State Swimming Championships last Friday at the Clovis Unified Olympic Complex. Potter finished 32nd at state in the boys 200 individual medley in 1 minute, 57.59 seconds. That was the second-best time for a freshman in the event. Kalmikovs finished 34th in the 100 backstroke (53.37 seconds).
Boys Tennis
Nico Fanucchi and Brysen Limpias advanced to the Central Section doubles tournament. The duo won their opening set but fell in the quarterfinals.
Track and Field
The season completed for the track and field team last Friday at the Central Section Division IV championships at Visalia-Central Valley Christian. Ian Harrison finished sixth in the boys 200 meters in 22.85, a personal-best. Harrison, along with David Smith, Julian Smith and Nathaniel Wallace finished fourth in the boys 100 relay in 44.07 seconds, just .22 of a second from advancing to the section Master’s championships.
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In Our Prayers
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
Bruna Mary Limi
Grandmother of Denise Limi '88 and great-grandmother of Isabella Garcia '21 and Gianna Garcia'23.
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Rams Honor Coach Gary Ogilvie '55
Gary Ogilvie (’55) quarterbacked the first Garces team to beat Tehachapi and then returned 8 years later to coach a generation of Garces Rams. Between 1963-68 his teams went 34-21-4 and took the 1968 squad to the valley finals, their first appearance since he led the 1953 team to the school’s first Valley Championship. He moved to Tehachapi where he became the most successful coach in their school history, going 68-11. While at Garces he coached John Fanucchi and when at Tehachapi Steve Denman, both of whom returned to their alma maters to rank among the top coaches in valley history. In 2007 the schools created the Coach Ogilvie perpetual trophy, claimed by the winning school each season. Since the series is no longer played, the players and coaches at both schools decided to retire the trophy and present it to their beloved Coach Ogilvie recently. In the photo below, Gary Ogilvie '55 is seated and surrounded by some of his former players. Pictured from left to right are: Ernie Montoya, Jim Burubeltz, Murray Kullrich, Tom Swertfager, Mike Phillips, Larry Bertolucci, Tom Bernardin, Joe Lightsey, Vince Fanucchi, Mike Baldwin, Rick Montoya, John Fanucchi, Charlie Wortiska, Steve Ivy, and Darrell Feliz.
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60th Class Reunion
Class of 1963
Calling all alumni from the Class of 1963! Nanette (Thomas) Lynch, Marianne (Wortiska) Malenk, and Jack Swertfager are planning your upcoming reunion for November. More details to come. Please contact Nannette for more information.
Nanette (Thomas) Lynch
Email: nannlyly@yahoo.com
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55th Class Reunion
Class of 1968
Calling all alumni from the Class of 1968! Cindy (Duncan) Lynch is hard at work on organizing your 55th class reunion. It's going to be on Saturday, October 21st at Luigi's Restaurant. Please contact Cindy for more information.
Cindy (Duncan) Lynch
Email: cndyelynch@aol.com
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50th Class Reunion
Class of 1973
Calling all alumni from the Class of 1973! Dianne (Grifffiths) Riley is hard at work on organizing your 50th class reunion. It's going to be on Saturday, October 7th at her home. Please contact Dianne for more information.
Dianne (Griffiths) Riley
Email:dianne.riley@me.com
Cell: 661-204-1271
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40th Class Reunion
Class of 1983
Calling all alumni from the Class of 1983! Kristine and Monica are busy planning your 40th reunion. It's going to be on Saturday, October 28th at Luigi's Restaurant and it's going to be a blast! So spread the word and let Kristine or Monica know if you plan on attending. More details to come!
Kristine (Owens) Morton
Email: drikmorton@yahoo.com
Cell: 661-549-5174
Monica (Valpredo) Sacco
Email: monicalsacco@aol.com
Cell: 661-703-7028
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